Elderly couple killed in fire are identified

Authorities blame faulty electrical wiring for the Punta Gorda blaze that left two people dead.

STAFF REPORT

An elderly couple has been identified, after they were killed by an apparent accidental fire in their home, which did not have working smoke alarms, according to the Punta Gorda Police Department.

On Thursday, just after 11 a.m., the police and fire departments responded to the home at 310 Sorrento Court for a report of a fire.

In the master bedroom and master bathroom, they found the bodies of John Fitzmaruice Jr., 85, and Carole Fitzmaruice, 79.

Based on the physical evidence at the home, investigators determined that the fire started in the living room, was accidental and most likely caused by faulty electrical wiring. The fire department said Wednesday that the home did not have working smoke alarms.

The official ruling related to the cause of death will be made by the Charlotte County Medical Examiner's Office, but investigators believe the deaths are accidental.

Punta Gorda Police Detectives are also investigating the deaths in cooperation with the state Fire Marshal's Office.